Meteor Showers 2026: Dates, Peak Times & Best Locations to Watch

Meteor Showers 2026: Dates, Peak Times & Best Locations to Watch (Image: Canva)

• 2026 will feature major meteor showers like Perseids, Geminids and Quadrantids.
• Best viewing times: after 11 p.m. EST, peak dates: January to December.
• Northern Hemisphere offers prime views, especially for Geminids and Perseids.

Did our AI summary help?

Meteor showers in 2026 promise a spectacular year for stargazers. From early January to late December, both casual skywatchers and enthusiasts can witness fiery streaks across the night sky. The year features major showers like the Perseids and Geminids, along with smaller, yet fascinating displays such as the Draconids and Orionids.

Meteor Shower Calendar 2026

Quadrantids: January 3–4

The Quadrantids peak on January 3–4. Observers in the Northern Hemisphere will see meteors after midnight, with the best visibility in rural areas. Southern Hemisphere observers may catch fewer meteors due to low elevation.

The Quadrantids are known for bright, fast-moving meteors and short-lived bursts. The shower originates from asteroid 2003 EH1, discovered in 2003, with a narrow peak window of only a few hours.

Lyrids: April 22–23

The Lyrids peak around April 22–23, producing moderate meteor rates and occasional bright fireballs. Northern and Southern Hemisphere observers can view the shower after midnight.

Meteors appear to radiate from the Lyra constellation, giving the shower its name. The Lyrids are linked to comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher, discovered in 1861, and have an orbital period of 415 years.

Eta Aquariids: May 6–7

The Eta Aquariids are best seen in the Southern Hemisphere, especially Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Chile, before dawn on May 6–7. Northern Hemisphere observers can see fewer meteors near the eastern horizon. This shower originates from Halley’s Comet, producing fast-moving, bright meteors.

Delta Aquariids: July 28–29

Delta Aquariids peak on July 28–29, visible in equatorial and Southern Hemisphere countries. Meteors appear late at night through pre-dawn hours. They move relatively slowly and are best observed in dark rural skies. This shower is linked to comet 96P/Machholz, which orbits the Sun every 5.24 years.

Perseids: August 12–13

The Perseids are one of the brightest and most prolific showers, peaking August 12–13. Observers in the Northern Hemisphere will enjoy a spectacular display after 11 p.m. EST until pre-dawn.

The meteors appear to radiate from the Perseus constellation. Originating from comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle, discovered in 1862, this shower produces some of the year’s most reliable fireballs.

Draconids: October 7

Draconids are unique for their early evening peak, from 6 p.m.–11 p.m. EST, making it ideal for family viewing. Best seen in the Northern Hemisphere, meteors appear to radiate from Draco. This shower has low activity most years but can produce intense bursts during occasional outbursts.

Orionids: October 21–22

The Orionids peak October 21–22, visible worldwide from midnight to pre-dawn. Meteors radiate from the Orion constellation. Like the Eta Aquariids, the Orionids are also debris from Halley’s Comet, producing fast and bright streaks that can leave trails.

Taurids: November 4–5

Taurids are a slow-moving shower active in both hemispheres, peaking late night on November 4–5. Known for bright fireballs, the Taurids are linked to comet 2P/Encke. They have two distinct streams, northern and southern, producing extended activity but fewer meteors per hour.

Leonids: November 17–18

The Leonids peak November 17–18, best seen after 11 p.m. EST in Northern Hemisphere countries. They radiate from Leo and are famous for historical meteor storms. Leonids are associated with comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle, with high-speed meteors capable of leaving trails.

Geminids: December 13–14

Geminids are the brightest annual shower, peaking December 13–14. Northern Hemisphere observers get the best view, with meteors visible from evening to pre-dawn. They appear to radiate from Gemini and originate from asteroid 3200 Phaethon, producing dense, slow-moving meteors that are ideal for photography.

Ursids: December 21–22

The Ursids peak December 21–22, visible mainly in the Northern Hemisphere. Meteors radiate from Ursa Minor. While the shower produces fewer meteors, it can surprise with occasional bright fireballs. Ursids are linked to comet 8P/Tuttle, which has a 13.6-year orbit.

Viewing Tips for Meteor Showers 2026

Most meteor showers are best seen after 11:00 p.m. EST and continue until pre-dawn. Observers should allow their eyes to adjust to the dark for at least 30 minutes. Some showers, like the Delta Aquariids, are visible from Indonesia, Kenya and parts of South America. Skywatchers near the equator may need to scan a wider portion of the sky for the best view.